The governor of Massachusetts, Maura T. Healey, this month designated 14 April as “Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Equality Day” in honor of the celebrated Indian civil rights activist. This brings Massachusetts in line with a number of other regions and cities across the United States and Canada that have paid tribute to the Indian economist, jurist, and chief architect of the longest written constitution in history.
The declaration came as people all over the world made preparations to celebrate the birth anniversary of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar. Celebrations are to take place on 14 April amid widespread debates in the US and India regarding Dr. Ambedkar’s global reach and legacy, and his unfinished work.
Healey said of her decision to have a special day of observance: “Dr. Ambedkar Equality Day provides an opportunity to remember and honor his legacy, which continues to inspire people in Massachusetts and across the world.” (The Mooknayak) In her proclamation, Healey also made note of the fact that Dr. Ambedkar had studied at Columbia University for a number of years, eventually receiving an honorary degree.
The governor’s proclamation also shines a light on the role that Dr. Ambedkar played in revitalizing Buddhism in modern India and situates his work within larger conversations around Black History Month and the US journey toward civil rights for all people. In an earlier address, Healey stated: “Black history is American history and Massachusetts history. And knowing our history matters, because it helps us shape a better future.” (The Mooknayak)
Supporters of Black History Month have been vocal in their support for Ambedkar Equality Day, pointing out that both movements worked against deeply rooted systems of discrimination in the hope of creating an inclusive society.
In India, scholars are using discussion around Dr. Ambedkar’s birth anniversary to shine a light on the systems of discrimination he sought to dismantle, such as the caste system, which still exists today. Prof. Ram Puniyani, a writer for the media platform Clarion India, reflected on Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy: “As we celebrate the birth anniversary of Babasaheb Ambedkar . . . it is also time to ponder over the status of his major teaching about the annihilation of the caste system in the country.” (Clarion India)
Prof. Puniyani went on to state that the caste system persisted despite constitutional safeguards and decades of activism, and was embedded in institutional and social structures alike. He pointed to Dr. Ambedkar’s activism around temple entry, access to public water, and the symbolic burning of the Manusmriti as examples of important acts of resistance.
In the face of these historical victories, however, Prof. Puniyani also warned that modern-day India remained rife with caste discrimination, some of which had led to student suicides as a result of continuous harassment. Recent examples included the tragic cases of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi.
These deaths mark the importance of the long history of individuals struggling against the caste system—whether the historical Buddha, the Bhakti saints, or modern reformers such as Savitribai Phule and Jyotirao. Dr. Ambedkar continued this legacy of fighting for change through his activism and through his work drafting the Indian constitution.
As the people of Massachusetts celebrate Dr. Ambedkar’s birth anniversary, his global recognition stands in stark contrast to the domestic challenges that the caste system inflicts on the people of India. As long as these struggles remain, Dr. Ambekar’s message of equality and human rights will remain a rallying point for those who struggle to complete his work and annihilate discrimination.
See more
Dalit History Month: Massachusetts Joins List of Regions Observing Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Equality Day on April 14 (Mooknayak)
Ambedkar Association of North America (X)
Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Birth Anniversary: Where is the Annihilation of Caste? (Clarion India)
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The First B.R. Ambedkar Statue Erected in the United States Unveiled in Maryland
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Related features from BDG
Reviving the Dhamma: Ambedkar’s Impact on Empowering the Marginalized through Buddhism
Ambedkar in Seattle: The Annihilation of Caste
An Ambedkarite Buddhist Today
Living Dr. Ambedkar’s Vision
